Willamette Valley Vineyards

Adelsheim Ribbon Springs Vineyard by Kent Derek Studio

The Willamette Valley, Oregon's leading wine region, has two-thirds of the state's wineries and vineyards and is home to more than 500 wineries. It is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing areas in the world.

The Willamette Valley is a huge and varied appellation that includes six sub-appellations: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton.

Buffered from Pacific storms on the west by the Coast Range, the valley follows the Willamette River north to south for more than a hundred miles from the Columbia River near Portland to just south of Eugene. To the east, the Cascade Range draws the boundary between the Willamette Valley's misty, cool climate and the drier, more extreme climate of eastern Oregon.

At its widest point, this long, broad valley spans sixty miles. Overall, the climate boasts a long, gentle growing season – warm summers with cool evenings; bursts of Indian summer into fall; mild winters followed by long springs. In ideal years the maritime climate provides the best conditions possible for growing the cool-climate grape variety for which Oregon is best known: Pinot noir. In lesser years, fall weather can be tricky, causing winemakers to pull their hair. In this matter the Willamette Valley compares favorably with the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France. And, like it or not, the often finicky Willamette Valley climate is the promised land for Pinot noir in America. Wineries also produce Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Melon, Gewürztraminer, sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc and some Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot among other lesser-known varieties.

The Willamette Valley wineries are a popular tourist destination, with the area boasting a luxury destination resort, several high-end inns and many delightful bed & breakfasts. The valley also offers a long list of fine dining restaurants. An additional advantage for the wine tourist is the proximity of the wineries to Portland. From Portland, tourists can visit the Willamette Valley winery of their choice in anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.

As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine is deep ruby in color and opens with vibrant aromas of bing cherry, blackberry and cocoa with a hint of earthiness. Flavors mirror aromas with a fruit-forward and sweet entry, juicy mid-palate that flows into a soft, well-rounded finish

This wine exemplifies the "Oregon style." Classic aromas of fresh red raspberry and cherry, candied walnut and orange spice create an elegant nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with flavors of red fruit, earth, game, almond and an accent of sweet barrel spice. Exceptionally balanced with

This semi-sweet wine opens with luscious aromas of citrus and tropical fruits. The mouthfeel is juicy with bright acidity that activates the palate and displays flavors of peach, pineapple and honeysuckle. The finish is wonderfully persistent with balance of sweetness and refreshing crispness.

" Depth of extract, richness, big mouthfeel but with elegance and ability to age. The grapes were picked at peak ripeness and the whole clusters were then lightly pressed. The must was cold settled and racked to another stainless steel tank where it was inoculated with 3 special strains of yeast

Wine Spectator 90 Best Value " This semi-sweet wine opens with striking citrus aromatics of lemon and lime that flow into notes of green apple and pear. The citrus remains on the palate and is accented by tropical pineapple and honey. The mouthfeel is lean and racy with bright acidity that

"As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a juicy pomegranite

" A semi-sweet medium bodied wine. Bright tropical aromas of pineapple, supported by lighter notes of anise and apple, lead into a honeyed entry on the sip with a creamy mouthfeel and fruit cocktail flavors. Sweet and sour notes are supported by a clean, well-formed fruit to acid balance leading

"As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a juicy pomegranite

"This wine opens with bright, clean aromas of pear and green apple. The sip is round and creamy, with a good acid balance that highlights flavors of key lime and lemongrass, with tart notes of kumquat balanced by just a hint of sweetness. The bright, strong finish invites another sip. The small

"This wine opens with bright, clean aromas of pear and green apple. The sip is round and creamy, with a good acid balance that highlights flavors of key lime and lemongrass, with tart notes of kumquat balanced by just a hint of sweetness. The bright, strong finish invites another sip. The small

Wine Enthusiast 90 "As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a

"The nose opens with bright aromas of cherry and raspberry backed by a hint of leather. Floral notes are complimented by tones of dried orange peel. The entry opens with rich flavors of brown sugar and sweet fruit cake with a touch of spice and clove. The medium bodied mouthfeel features chewy

"This wine opens with bright, clean aromas of pear and green apple. The sip is round and creamy, with a good acid balance that highlights flavors of key lime and lemongrass, with tart notes of kumquat balanced by just a hint of sweetness. The bright, strong finish invites another sip. The small

"As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a juicy pomegranite

"The 2008 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is an elegant wine that truly expresses the terroir of the three unique vineyard sites within the Willamette Valley that contribute to this bottling. Aromas of cherry, pie spice, nuts and plum, are complimented by just a hint of brown sugar sweetness on the

"This wine opens with bright, clean aromas of pear and green apple. The sip is round and creamy, with a good acid balance that highlights flavors of key lime and lemongrass, with tart notes of kumquat balanced by just a hint of sweetness. The bright, strong finish invites another sip. The small

" The 2011 Estate Pinot Noir expresses the terrior of our three vineyards - the original planting by Founder Jim Bernau at the winery in the Salem Hills, Tualatin Estate planted by Oregon wine pioneer Bill Fuller in the foothills of the Coastal Range and Elton planted by Dick and Betty O’Brien on

"As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a juicy pomegranite

"The nose opens with bright aromas of cherry and raspberry backed by a hint of leather. Floral notes are complimented by tones of dried orange peel. The entry opens with rich flavors of brown sugar and sweet fruit cake with a touch of spice and clove. The medium bodied mouthfeel features chewy